A postcard from… Longdown Activity Farm, New Forest (July 2014)

Longdown proved to be a fun day out with lots to see and do, both indoors and outdoors.

There were lots of farm babies when we visited; pygmy goat kids, a donkey foal, piglets and calves. The pygmy goat kids were adorable, so small and fluffy, running and jumping around their pen, we could have watched them all day!

The children enjoyed feeding the calves, goat kids and pigs. There were lots of hands-on activities throughout the day (something different every half an hour). They also enjoyed the baby animal encounter, where they each got to hold a chick and brush the rabbits and goats. Our little boy’s chick even fell asleep in his hands for a moment!

Pony rides were run by Pony Magic at £3 a ride. It’s not a bad price but it would be nice if it lasted a little bit longer as it was just one lap of the small paddock. I think 2 laps would have made it a bit more worthwhile, but our daughter still enjoyed it (our little one wasn’t quite brave enough to have a go – maybe next time!)

There were many play areas, both inside and out, which means you can still have loads of fun even if it’s pouring with rain! The trampoline barn was great, with a number of large trampolines with safety nets, some just for children and some for grown ups too!

Outside there were mini tractors, go karts, table tennis tables, a digger (extra charge of £1) and a lovely wooden play area with picnic benches. We also enjoyed a tractor and trailer ride (no extra charge!) which drives around a large field. It was very (very) bumpy but a lot of fun for the little ones – I think this was our son’s favourite part of the whole day, he was smiling and giggling all the way!

Longdown Activity Farm is definitely somewhere you can enjoy in all weather and there is no chance of the children getting bored as there is so much to do. I would recommend it, especially for young children.